[Modern therapy of diverticular disease]

Abstract

New concepts are developed in the therapy of diverticular disease. 5-aminosalicylates can be administered in patients with slight forms of diverticulitis. In moderate diverticulitis antibiotics should be applied alternatively or additionally. In cases of severe diverticulitis patients should be kept fasting with parenteral nutrition and intravenous broad spectrum antibiotics. Small abscesses can be treated conservatively while abscesses larger than 4 cm should be drained in a first step and than treated surgically. A free perforation is still an absolute indication for emergency operation. In recurring diverticulitis indication for resection of the affected segment of the bowel should be considered depending on the extent of former attacks.